Elms College - Elmata Yearbook (Chicopee, MA)

Page 18 text:

Philosophy A correct philosophy Is a requisite to a proper way of life. Catholic philosophy Is not a purely speculative science. It Is sonnething for every Catholic to know; It Is something for every Catholic to live. Philosophy asks about the nature of man, his proper role In the world and the ways In which he can fulfill his nature. Through logic, metaphysics and ethics, the Catholic Col- lege student arrives at the answers to these questions. That we Elmites may be proficient In the field of philosophy, we are exposed for three years to Thomistic philosophy under the guidance of Fathers Stafford and Vlau — both strict adherers to Saint Thomas. Father Stafford, with keen mind and boyish manner. Is able to testify to the fact that the feminine mind Is capable of absorb- ing philosophy. An Informal atmosphere Is Rev. Robert H. Stafford Rev. Roger L. Viau an essential part of the class, and everyone feels as though philosophy has an Important place In her life. Father Stafford makes his class realize that Metaphysics Is not just the name of a course, but a vital guide to living the Catholic Faith. Father Vlau, who has been with us only a year, has already captured our hearts completely. The old man , as he calls him- self, has given us main points of ethics In a series of classes as Informal as an Interesting conversation, yet as exacting as the syl- logisms he Introduces. Father Includes the various parts of the human act, and person- alizes ethics with his enjoyable stories and complete attention to any matter brought up In class. His spontaneous wit and easy humor have made him and moral philosophy, a part of the curriculum, the faculty and minds of the students.

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In understanding the trials of student life and strife, Father Burke becomes the pleasant and devoted advisor of all Elmites. Not only does he capture the spirit of teach- ing and learning, but he Imparts both with ease, to make them a part of everyday liv- ing. He Is Interested In us spiritually; he Is interested In us academically. No more sincere devotee of Christ will ever be found so enthusiastically alive with smiles. It Is through such sincere Inter- est in the Interests of Elmites that students and priest faculty are united. Such unity Is oft displayed on occasions such as Cap and Gown Sunday when priests join students In Rev. Joseph A. Burke rejoicing over triumphs and accom- plishments so Important to a college career.

Page 19 text:

Education Easily adapting hinnself to new sur- roundings, Father Thonnas Devine smiled his way into the lives of the Elms Education students. Memories of statistical tables will long be recalled, together with the discus- sion periods on Monday mornings! Des- pite the initial handicaps of teaching in a women ' s college. Father has, through his sympathetic understanding and patience, made himself overwhelmingly welcomed as a new faculty member. As a supplement to the Tests and Measurements course, Father asked juniors and seniors to aid him in readying tables showing the results of Diocesan Confrater- nity tests for distribution to teachers in each parish. Using this information in compiling the tables. Tests and Measurements became a vivid reality instead of being a text alone. Elmites are truly indebted to the tire- lessness and devoted efforts of Sister Mary Chrysostom in molding and shaping the future teachers of the world. Sister has Rev. Thomas F. Devine succeeded yearly in Implanting in the stu- dents of her Education course a thorough understanding of the basic and fundamental characteristics of a truly Christian teacher.